Sandra Bullock is making sure the creator of “Practical Magic” is never erased.

It’s nearly three decades after the original film disappointed at the box office and eventually gained cult status. Bullock and Nicole Kidman return for “Practical Magic 2,” playing the sibling witches in the first part of the movie.

Sandra Bullock took time to acknowledge the brain behind the 1998 fantasy comedy, Director Griffin Dunne. “Practical Magic 2” is directed by Susanne Bier. It is based on Alice Hoffman’s novel “The Book of Magic.” 

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The original “Practical Magic” did not immediately become the beloved film it is today. Bullock recalled that she and Kidman believed audiences would love the movie, only for the excitement to disappear after its release. “And then it got quiet,” Bullock remembered, describing the reaction that followed.

She said the film faced questions about having too many women and too many different tones. Those doubts came despite the chemistry between Bullock and Kidman and the distinctive world created around their characters. The movie eventually found a much more lasting audience after its initial theatrical disappointment.

Bullock specifically credited Dunne for helping make that world possible. She stressed that he created the world alongside the actresses and allowed them to bring their characters fully to life. Kidman also remembered Dunne as someone who loved them. “And he loved us and let us shine,” she said. 

Bullock believes that recognition is long overdue because Dunne did not get to enjoy the appreciation that came later. “It’s because of him, this film exists,” she said. She added that he “never got to smell the flowers when we made it,” making his contribution central to her reflection on the franchise, as shared by Variety.

The Owens Sisters Are Finally Back

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The return of Sally and Gillian Owens has been one of the biggest attractions surrounding “Practical Magic 2.” Bullock and Kidman are reprising the roles that made their sisterly chemistry such a memorable part of the original film as the sibling witches.

The new story brings the Owens family into another chapter while introducing younger members of the cast. Joey King and Maisie Williams join the returning stars, with the sequel expanding the world around Sally and Gillian. The film is directed by Bier and is based on Alice Hoffman’s “The Book of Magic.”

The Los Angeles premiere also brought Bullock and Kidman back onto the red carpet alongside Bier, King, Williams, Xolo Maridueña and Solly McLeod. Deadline shared that the sequel returns 25 years after the first part explored the Owens family and the origin of their magic.

The Daughters Got New Faces For The Sequel

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The sequel also brings a major change involving Sally’s daughters. Evan Rachel Wood and Alexandra Artrip originally played Kylie and Antonia Owens, but Joey King and Maisie Williams now portray the characters. The recasting became notable because Wood had previously expressed interest in returning.

Digital Spy reported that director Bier said the decision was not personal. She explained that the daughters are now right out of college in the story, meaning the production needed to recast the roles.

Wood later revealed that she was “sad” about missing the opportunity. She said she had offered her services, even if it meant appearing for only one scene or one line.

“I think in the book, it would have made sense to bring me back [but] I think in the way that they’re redoing it and approaching it, it didn’t make sense,” Wood said. 

The Westworld star had previously hoped to reunite with her onscreen sisters and revisit the house where they filmed as children. Wood said the cast had bonded deeply during the original movie and that seeing everyone again as adults would have carried a history that could not be recreated.

The Oscar Winner Stands Behind The Use Of AI In Hollywood 

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Bullock gave a surprising approach at her appearance at CinemaCon 2026. The actress has taken a measured approach to artificial intelligence rather than rejecting the technology outright. Her position suggests that she sees learning about AI as more useful than pretending it will disappear.

The Blast revealed that Bullock believes creatives should find constructive ways to work with AI. She said, “We have to lean into it,” while encouraging people to make the technology their friend. Her comments came while she was discussing AI-generated content connected to “Practical Magic 2.”

Bullock nevertheless warned that embracing the technology does not mean ignoring its dangers. She stressed that Hollywood must be “incredibly cautious and aware” because people could use AI for harmful purposes. Warner Bros. executive Pam Abdy shared a similar view during the discussion. Abdy said the industry needs to acknowledge AI, understand it, learn about it and move forward. 

Sandra Bullock Chose Motherhood Over Spotlight

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Bullock revealed that she had been quietly using social media before publicly embracing it. “I’d been on social media,” she explained, “but, quietly,” mainly to learn and shop. Her children encouraged her to take a closer look and understand how the platforms worked. Bullock admitted she had been “very reticent” about getting involved publicly.

Motherhood has also remained a major factor in the decisions she makes about her career. Bullock explained that she agreed to star in “Practical Magic 2” because the timing allowed her to work without disrupting her children’s schedule. “I made this film at this time because I knew my kids were out of school,” she said.

Bullock made it clear that taking major film roles will not come at the expense of her children. “I’m not going to sacrifice my time with my kids,” she said, adding that she would not be happy if they were struggling while she was away. She also admitted, “I do not do my best work if my children are struggling or if they need something and I can’t facilitate it.”

Sandra Bullock’s return to “Practical Magic” was also a chance to give flowers to the first maker, Griffin Dunne.

After the massive year in gaming that was 2025, few actors are riding as high as Jennifer English and Ben Starr. The pair had already proven themselves as two of the most acclaimed voices in the industry just two years prior, when the former became synonymous with the fan-favorite Shadowheart from the Game of the Year-winning Baldur’s Gate 3 and the latter delivered a devastating tour de force as main character Clive Rosfield in Final Fantasy XVI. However, last year, they got the chance to join forces for a little RPG called Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the debut title from Sandfall Interactive. It quickly exploded into the breakout success of the year, also earning Game of the Year and thrusting the actors and friends into a heated Best Performance race that English ultimately won.

English and Starr were at the center of Expedition 33‘s story as Maelle and Verso, the former a member of the titular doomed group sent out to defeat the paintress and end the Gommage, and the latter a mysterious, ageless stranger from beyond Lumière whom the survivors meet following a fateful encounter with Renoir (Andy Serkis). After the death of Gustav (Charlie Cox), they become the de facto main characters of the story as the expedition travels across the land to achieve their ultimate goal. Their overall importance, however, becomes even greater than first indicated when the realities of their world are fully revealed, leading up to an ending with a harrowing choice to be made between them. For English and Starr, the characters have now become arguably their most recognizable and critically lauded, which is especially notable because of how different they are from their previous starring roles.

Over the weekend, the two Expedition 33 veterans swung by Fan Expo Canada for a Q&A moderated by Collider’s Maggie Lovitt, where one fan asked them to compare and contrast their respective characters. Specifically, Starr was asked to consider what Clive and Verso would love and hate about each other, while English was given the same question, but for Shadowheart and Maelle. Starr sees his duo at opposite extremes, both in how their games let players into their minds and in terms of their relationships, with one being a loner who slowly becomes a symbol of hope for the oppressed, the other being a manipulator, and both having major family issues. They’re a pair he’d like to see meet because they’re so different, yet also have so much to relate over, from their parents to their all-powerful siblings.

“The thing about Clive and Verso is that Clive doesn’t know how to ask for help. Verso uses people for help. I think they are extremes of that. Their relationships with other people are born from different things. One is completely isolated because he’s been abandoned by his family. The other does that because he’s been abandoned by his family. And it’s amazing how you can see those things. They could learn a lot from each other. You experience the game through Clive. You don’t experience the game through Verso. Verso doesn’t tell you things; Clive tells you everything. And I really love that dichotomy between those two people. I’d just love to sit down in a room and be like ‘Have a chat, boys. Talk about your favorite things. Fire.’”

Jennifer English Says Different Goals Separate Maelle and Shadowheart

As for lessons Clive and Verso could learn from each other, Starr suggests that the dominant of Ifrit could share a thing or two about avoiding being consumed by flames. “I suppose Verso could get taught how not to get set on fire,” he joked. English, meanwhile, believes it’s less the characters themselves, but different goals that separate Maelle and Shadowheart. “I think the key difference between Maelle and Shadowheart is, I suppose, that Maelle’s goal is to find her family,” she added. “To have this chosen family and find her place in the world. And I feel like Shadowheart is the opposite at the beginning of the game. She’s forced to have these companions and actively doesn’t want them.”

From the very start, Maelle embraces her found family under Gustav’s wing. While the Gommage in Expedition 33 only wipes away the people of the age that The Paintress brushes, she chooses to be part of the titular team despite being younger than everyone else departing Lumière. It’s largely about necessity for Shadowheart, though, as a fellow victim of the mindflayers with a tadpole in her head joining the party on a search for a cure that expands into a sprawling fantasy adventure. They do share a few peculiarities, though. “But of course, their similarities… I guess both of their hair turns white, and they have some memory issues,” English laughed. One thing that does unite all four, though, is that they all have problems that Starr believes could be resolved with a bit of group therapy with each other.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

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Released

August 3, 2023

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Developer(s)

Larian Studios

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Publisher(s)

Larian Studios

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Franchise

Baldur’s Gate

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Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly refusing to rush into a reconciliation with Prince Harry despite the Duke of Sussex being back on British soil.

A new report claims the Prince and Princess of Wales are deliberately avoiding any instinctive reaction to Harry and Meghan Markle’s return to the U.K. Instead, the couple is said to be privately observing the situation before deciding whether anything changes between the estranged brothers.

The cautious approach reportedly stems from years of unresolved hurt, with one source claiming there remains a “deep sense of betrayal.”

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According to People, William and Kate are taking a decidedly measured approach to Harry and Meghan’s return to the U.K. The Sussexes arrived back home with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet on August 26.

A source close to the Prince and Princess of Wales claimed the couple has no intention of reacting to the development immediately. “They are watching this space. It’s private, they don’t feel the need to say anything or demonstrate anything outwardly,” the source shared.

Harry and Meghan have been living primarily in California for six years and are now expected to spend an extended period in Britain. Their children are also set to begin school in the U.K., making this a fairly more substantial visit than the family’s previous ones.

This increased proximity has inevitably raised questions on how this can influence the repair of the fractured relationship between the brothers William and Harry.

A ‘Deep Sense Of Betrayal’ Reportedly Still Stands In The Way

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While having Harry back in Britain removes the physical distance that separated the brothers for years, insiders suggest the emotional distance remains ever present. The source told the outlet that any possible reconciliation between both parties “Will be a slow build,” before adding, “There is a deep sense of betrayal.”

The comment comes after years of public tension between the Sussexes and the royal family following Harry and Meghan’s decision to step down as senior working royals back in 2020.

Their relationship with William and Kate reportedly deteriorated further after a series of highly publicized revelations. This includes the Sussexes’ interview with Oprah, their Netflix documentary, and “Spare,” Harry’s memoir.

In the memoir, Harry made several claims involving his older brother, including an allegation of things turning physical between them at some point. It has been years since then, but the latest reports suggest William and Kate have not moved on from the fallout.

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The possibility of an immediate reconciliation between the brothers also appears unlikely given more insider reports regarding them from sources who know the brothers.

One insider described their bond as “so broken,” while another source stated, “I thought it would have perhaps eased a little bit by now, to be honest. But there has been no movement, especially on William’s side. There has been no contact.”

This appears consistent with William’s public response since Harry returned. The Blast previously reported on the Prince of Wales’ notable silence about his brother’s return to Britain.

The brothers were last reportedly in the same room back in August 2024. This was during the funeral of their uncle, Lord Robert Fellowes, which they both attended. Reports from the service claimed they sat apart and were not seen interacting.

On his part, however, Harry has made it clear that he would like to repair his relationship with his family. During a BBC interview in May 2025, he publicly called for reconciliation. According to him, there was “no point in continuing to fight anymore.”

Harry’s UK Return Could Make Their Estrangement Harder To Ignore

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For years, William and Harry could largely continue their separate lives due to their living on different continents. Now, the Sussexes’ return has largely eliminated that geographical separation.

While there has been no public sign of a reunion between the brothers, Harry has made some progress in another important royal relationship. During a visit to the U.K in July, Harry, Meghan, Archie and Lilibet spent time with King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Highgrove House.

The reunion reportedly marked the first time in over four years that Charles had seen the Duchess and both children in person.

King Charles Reportedly Hopes His Sons Will Eventually Reconcile

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Although William may remain hesitant, their father reportedly hopes his sons will bury the hatchet and repair their relationship.

A source speaking with the outlet said that King Charles “will want to see his sons together over time. This is the best opportunity we have seen in recent years.” However, whether the brothers will take advantage of the opportunity remains unclear.

For now, the Prince and Princess of Wales appear content to watch how the Sussexes’ new chapter in Britain will unfold.

The Scrubs revival has many new additions, but some things — like Turk and Elliot fighting over J.D. — have stayed the same.

In Us’ exclusive first look at a new promotional video for season 2, Turk (Donald Faison) and Elliot (Sarah Chalke) play Operation with J.D. (Zach Braff) as their patient. After removing J.D.’s funny bone, the duo notice something else that needs their medical eye.

“A me-shaped heart!” Turk says before Elliot volunteers to operate.

Turk, however, is unsure about Elliot’s intentions, adding, “Don’t you kill the bromance! [The heart] stays in!”

J.D. tries to interject before things take a turn.

“Don’t fight over my heart,” he says shortly before Turk and Elliot’s squabble affects his health in the board game.

The hilarious visual comes nearly one month before Scrubs is set to return for season 2 on September 30.

The medical sitcom originally aired from 2001 to 2010, following the lives of employees at a fictional teaching hospital called Sacred Heart. The hit series starred Braff, Chalke, Faison, Judy Reyes, Neil Flynn, Ken Jenkins and John C. McGinley before it was brought back for a ninth season titled Med School.

Only Braff, Faison and McGinley remained regular cast members, while others made guest appearances. Kerry Bishé, Eliza Coupe, Dave Franco and Michael Mosley were brought in, with Bishé taking over as the show’s new narrator after Braff, but the concept only lasted one season.

ABC revived the OG series in July 2025, once again introducing a new generation of medical experts. It was quickly renewed for season 2, but multiple outlets later confirmed that Joel Kim Booster, who played Dr. Kevin Park in season 1, would not return. X Mayo, who recurred as Charge Nurse Raymond, is also not expected to be back in season 2.

There are 16 cast members who are confirmed to be back — including returning stars Braff, Chalke and Faison. Out of the new group of interns introduced in season 1, Ava Bunn has been promoted to series regular.

The rest of the actors playing interns — Jacob Dudman, David Gridley, Layla Mohammadi and Amanda Morrow — are set to recur in season 2. Scrubs is also expanding with new characters, such as Rachel Bilson‘s Charlie.

“This isn’t a show about the kids, but the audience is curious about their family life and home life, and so we do want to show a little bit of that as well,” showrunner Aseem Batra told Deadline in April.

Other members of the cast, such as McGinley and Reyes, are still recurring while filming other projects outside of Scrubs.

“Both shows have been amazing and [are] working with us to get those performers over to Vancouver [where Scrubs films],” Batra added. “So we’ll do our very best to keep them in the fold, because they are part of this in a big way, but we’re happy for their success in other areas, and we’d just love them back as much as we can get them.”

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According to the official synopsis, season 2 of the revival will show J.D., Turk and Elliot as they “have leveled up from interns to icons at Sacred Heart.”

“Now, the respected doctors inspire the next generation while balancing the ups and downs of working in a hospital,” the description continues. “Together with characters new and old, they are navigating this next chapter with laughter, heart and some surprises along the way.”

Scrubs returns to ABC Wednesday, September 30, at 8 p.m. ET and streams on Hulu the next day.

Sir Rod Stewart‘s wife Penny Lancaster has offered a reassuring health update regarding her husband, following his recent medical procedure. 

After the legendary musician was forced to cancel the remainder of his scheduled concert dates to undergo a routine heart operation, his wife confirmed that he is on a promising path toward recovery.

Stewart has suffered multiple health challenges in recent times, and has had to cancel multiple shows on account of his health. 

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Lancaster provided an encouraging status report regarding her 81-year-old husband, Stewart, who recently underwent a routine coronary stent procedure to clear blocked cardiac arteries. 

Addressing his condition, the 55-year-old television personality expressed confidence in his upcoming comeback, sharing that her spouse is feeling energized and eager to perform again.

Lancaster noted the difficulty of keeping the energetic performer rested, explaining that his high-octane stage presence places significant physical demands on his body. She recounted clarifying his routine to his medical team, saying, “I did have to explain to the doctor what Rod’s performances are like.”

“He doesn’t just sit down on a stool or behind a piano, he runs around for nearly two hours with four different costume changes because he’s sweating through everything,” she added, per Daily Mail.

Lancaster further added that Stewart currently feels a renewed sense of vigor. She gave fans a glimmer of hope, saying, “He’s going to come back stronger than ever. I found it hard enough as it was to slow him down, so now he feels like he’s got a new lease of life.”

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Before the optimistic update from Lancaster, The Blast detailed a health scare that led to Stewart stepping away from the stage.

After undergoing a successful routine coronary stent procedure to clear blocked arteries, representatives confirmed the 81-year-old rock icon was recovering smoothly and resuming daily activities. 

However, his medical team advised a mandatory four-week resting period to regain physical strength before taking on demanding concerts.

The required recovery period forced Stewart to cancel remaining tour stops scheduled through September 3, along with his six-night residency at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. 

In a statement, Stewart expressed heartfelt gratitude to his medical team while noting that he was “looking forward” to getting back on stage. 

Rod Stewart Suffered A Sudden Health Need That Caused A Last-Minute Show Delay in Ohio

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Leading up to his eventual tour pause, Stewart experienced earlier disruptions during his summer performance schedule due to sudden health needs.

Before opting out of his remaining dates, the 81-year-old musician faced immediate physical concerns that halted his live schedule. According to The Blast, fans received a postponement alert just hours before showtime.

The hosting location released an official update that stated, “Due to an unforeseen but minor medical procedure that required prompt attention, Rod Stewart’s performance tonight in Cincinnati at Riverbend Music Center has been POSTPONED.”

Singer Spotted Cheering In High Spirits During Celtic Match

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Connecting to his positive recovery momentum, Stewart was recently seen enjoying an energetic public outing that offered fans further reassurance following his medical hiatus.

Shortly after announcing his temporary hiatus from performing to recover from heart surgery, he delighted supporters by attending a live sporting event in Scotland. 

He joined his 20-year-old son to root for his long-beloved team, Celtic FC, during their UEFA Champions League playoff match against Austrian club LASK.

Looking healthy, the musician was captured actively cheering from the stands alongside fellow supporters as Celtic built an impressive 2–0 lead before the halftime whistle. 

Notably, the lively appearance at the stadium served as a comforting sign for fans concerned about his health, per The Blast.

Rod Stewart Responded To Backlash Following Canceled Performance

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Although fans remained largely concerned for Stewart’s health, they also voiced disappointment in the singer’s actions after spotting him at a World Cup event shortly after canceling a live concert. 

According to The Blast, Stewart later spoke out to clarify his decision. He explained that he felt a strong personal obligation to travel for the game alongside his sons, Liam and Alastair, rather than attending for his own personal gratification.

“I really shouldn’t have gone to the Haiti game. I had to cancel a show the night before because I just had no voice left “ he said. 

“But the truth is… I wasn’t going to let my two sons down. I promised them since they were born that we’re going to go to a World Cup, and this is the first one that’s come about,” he added.

While recognizing that the decision “wasn’t a good look,” the legendary rocker maintained that fulfilling a long-standing promise to his children remained his primary priority.

Actress Debi Mazar appears in all eight seasons of HBO’s “Entourage” as Shauna Roberts, the memorable publicist of Vincent Chase. Following the series’ end, Mazar also appeared in the 2015 film. However, in a recent interview, she recalled the toxic situation on set following the birth of her second child.

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Mazar was interviewed by The Times UK in September 2026, and the actress was prompted to recall her time on “Entourage.” When discussing filming the third season of the series, she shared that she had a “complicated” time, with her weight becoming an issue for some people behind the scenes.

According to her, “I’d had my second baby, and they didn’t like that I got fat, even though I got skinny again. It was complicated because I’m outspoken and never held back my discontent. But I always was professional, and I’m grateful I was on it. It was a lot of fun, until it wasn’t.”

For context, “Entourage” premiered in 2004 with Mazar as a recurring cast member. However, she was promoted to series regular for the second season, a role she held until the show’s end in 2011. The actress gave birth to her second child in March 2006, coinciding with the show’s third season.

The Actress Called The Set ‘Toxic’

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Mazar continued to recall her time on “Entourage” by discussing how much the set had changed since the show premiered. She called filming that season a “joy fest.”

Regarding the way, according to her recollection, the culture on the show shifted as it went on, she stated, “In the third season, the set was a testosterone-fueled environment. I’m tough, but it got toxic towards the end for me.”

Debi Mazar Previously Spoke About Her ‘Entourage’ Character In 2020

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Per Entertainment Weekly, Mazar appeared on PeopleTV’s “Couch Surfing” in 2020, where she opened up not only about the show’s toxic set but also about how she felt about her character, saying she sometimes became “embarrassed.”

According to her, “I was kind of, almost like embarrassed by my dialogue. Because I curse, and I obviously have the ability to be a complete trash mouth, but some of the things I would say would completely make me blush.”

She then lamented, “With TV, you don’t know what they’re going to write. I took a job to make money. I mean, [creator Doug Ellin] wrote a really strong character.” She added about the behind-the-scenes culture: “But that set was very testosterone-driven and misogynistic.”

Later, in 2022, Mazar spoke to Ful Magazine, where the icon was asked about life-changing experiences she’d had as an actress.

She recalled, “Another experience that changed me was ‘Entourage,’ produced by HBO.” Mazar went on to call it a ‘me too movement’ show, noting, “because it was the prototype of everything an actress doesn’t want to do. It was an interesting challenge, trying to stay strong as a woman in such a misogynistic environment; you have to see the series to understand.”

There Have Been Talks Of An ‘Entourage’ Reboot

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As with many iconic television series from the past, there have been public talks of a reboot for “Entourage,” given that it’s been over a decade since the 2015 film. Notably, one of the show’s stars, Adrian Grenier, responded to Us Weekly‘s questions about the possibility of a new version of the series in March 2026.

He said, “I would love to do the show again, obviously.” The “Devil Wears Prada” star continued, “You know, I’m torn because it’s an iconic show that defined an era. I don’t know how we would do that today, because we’d have to address a lot of things that are current.”

After that, he stated, “But that could… that’s an opportunity as well. I think it can’t be the same thing, because it was so tied to that time. It’s a time and a moment and a vibe that I don’t think you can replicate.”

The actor added, “The characters, I think, are still relevant, and I think the way they would deal with modernity is interesting as well.”

Debi Mazar Remains Active In Hollywood

Mazar is one of the supporting cast members in the upcoming psychological thriller “The Housewife.” The film, which was directed by Ben Shirinian, will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2026. An official release date is expected to follow the premiere. Naomi Watts, Tye Sheridan, Luke Evans, and Michael Imperioli star in the film.

Additonally, according to Deadline, she will appear in Netflix’s “The Last Mrs. Parrish” alongside Jennifer Lopez. It’s unclear when the movie will premiere.

Calling something flawless is usually asking for trouble, because someone will find the one weak episode or the one plot hole you missed. But every once in a while a miniseries comes along with such a tight grip on its own story that there really isn’t a weak link anywhere, no padding episode, no dropped subplot, no bad performance dragging things down.

That kind of control is rare even in film, and it’s almost unheard of in television, where a show usually has to stretch itself to fill a season order no matter if the story needs it or not. These eight never had that problem. Every episode earns its place and every performance holds up, in short, nothing feels wasted.

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‘Sharp Objects’ (2018)

Image via HBO

Camille Preaker (Amy Adams), a journalist with a history of self-harm, gets sent back to her hometown to cover the murder of two young girls, and the show spends most of its runtime showing you her scars in quick, disorienting flashes. Sharp Objects is based on a Gillian Flynn novel, and it keeps the same nasty, claustrophobic small-town dread that made her other books hits, except stretched across eight hours instead of two.

Adora Crellin (Patricia Clarkson) and Amma Crellin (Eliza Scanlen), Camille’s mother and half-sister, turn the family home into its own kind of crime scene. Jean-Marc Vallée directed every episode, and he uses sound and editing to put you inside Camille’s head so completely that the show feels less like a mystery and more like a slow, controlled panic attack. The final twist, once it lands, recontextualizes almost every scene that came before it.

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‘The Night Of’ (2016)

Image via HBO

Naz Khan (Riz Ahmed) borrows his dad’s cab for one night, meets a woman, and wakes up next to her dead body with no memory of what happened, and from that first hour on, The Night Of treats the entire criminal justice system like its own slow-moving villain. Detective Box (Bill Camp) builds a case against him with genuine care and thoroughness, which makes the whole thing scarier, since nobody here is cartoonishly corrupt, the system just grinds Naz down anyway.

John Stone (John Turturro), the eczema-covered lawyer nobody wanted to hire, ends up being the only person who actually fights for Naz, and Turturro plays him as scruffy and unglamorous in a way most legal dramas would never allow. Steven Zaillian and Richard Price wrote the show together, and they let Rikers Island change Naz almost as much as the trial itself does, until it’s hard to tell which version of him is real by the end. It never once tells you whether he actually did it, and that refusal is the whole point.

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‘I May Destroy You’ (2020)

Image via HBO

Arabella (Michaela Coel), a young writer riding the success of her first book, gets drugged and assaulted at a bar one night, and the rest of the show follows her trying to piece together fragments of memory while also just trying to keep living her actual life. Coel wrote, directed, and starred in nearly every episode herself, and she based large parts of it on something that actually happened to her, which gives the whole thing a rawness.

Terry (Weruche Opia) and Kwame (Paapa Essiedu), Arabella’s closest friends, get their own messy, complicated storylines about consent and identity that never feel like side plots, they’re treated with the same weight as Arabella’s own. The show refuses easy endings too, it plays out multiple possible endings for how Arabella might confront her attacker instead of picking just one, which is a strange and bold choice for a finale.

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‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)

Image via HBO

Major Winters (Damian Lewis) leads Easy Company through D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and the eventual push into Germany, and Band of Brothers treats every one of those campaigns with the same care, nothing here feels like filler between the famous battles. Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks produced it together, and the budget shows in every frame, but what actually holds the show together is how specific and human each soldier feels, even the ones who only get one real episode.

Captain Nixon (Ron Livingston) and Sergeant Lipton (Donnie Wahlberg) anchor two of the show’s best episodes, and the decision to interview real surviving members of Easy Company before each episode gives the fiction an unusual weight, you know these people actually existed and actually went through this. Twenty-plus years later, it’s still the standard other war shows get measured against, mostly because it never once tries to make war look exciting.

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‘When They See Us’ (2019)

Image via Netflix

Five teenagers, Antron (Caleel Harris), Kevin (Asante Blackk), Yusef (Ethan Herisse), Raymond (Marquis Rodriguez), and Korey (Jharrel Jerome), get coerced into false confessions after a jogger is attacked in Central Park in 1989, and When They See Us spends four hours making sure you understand exactly how that coercion happened, lie by lie. Ava DuVernay directed the whole thing with precision. Moreover, she refuses to let the interrogation scenes feel distant or procedural, in fact, you sit in the room with these kids the entire time.

Jerome plays Korey at every age from sixteen to adult, since Korey was the only one of the five tried and sentenced as an adult, and that single performance carries some of the heaviest material in the entire series, particularly the years spent at Rikers. The show doesn’t soften what happened to any of them afterward either, and by the time it gets to their eventual exoneration, it’s earned every bit of anger it’s asking you to feel.

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‘Unbelievable’ (2019)

Image via Netflix

Marie (Kaitlyn Dever) reports being raped, and instead of being believed, she gets pressured by police into recanting her own story, then charged for filing a false report, and Unbelievable spends its first hour making that failure almost unbearable to watch before it even introduces the two detectives who’ll eventually solve the case years later. It’s based on a real Pulitzer-winning news investigation, and that true-story thing going on here is actually the best part.

Detective Duvall (Merritt Wever) and Detective Rasmussen (Toni Collette) catch a pattern of similar attacks in a different state years later, and their careful, patient investigative work is deliberately set against the dismissive way Marie’s own case got handled, the show is basically arguing that good policing exists, it’s just rare. Dever’s performance holds the whole thing together though, and watching her get disbelieved by nearly every adult in her life is some of the hardest television made in the last decade.

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‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)

Image via Netflix

The Queen’s Gambit is all about Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy) who grows up in an orphanage where she gets hooked on both chess and tranquilizers at the same time, courtesy of the janitor, Mr. Shaibel (Bill Camp). He teaches her the game in the basement almost by accident. The show however turns competitive chess into something as tense and visually thrilling as any sports movie, which shouldn’t really be possible given how little actual physical action is involved.

Alma Wheatley (Marielle Heller), Beth’s adoptive mother, becomes an unexpectedly moving presence in her life despite her own addictions, and Benny Watts (Thomas Brodie-Sangster) shows up as both rival and love interest later on, neither role ever feels like it’s just there to fill space. Scott Frank adapted the Walter Tevis novel and directed every episode, and the show never punishes Beth for her addiction the way most stories like this tend to, it just lets her be brilliant and messy at the same time.

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‘Chernobyl’ (2019)

Image via HBO

Valery Legasov (Jared Harris) is a nuclear physicist and he gets pulled into cleaning up a disaster that Soviet officials spend the first several hours actively denying even happened. Chernobyl takes the story and turns that denial into some of the most quietly terrifying television ever made, because the horror part is more than the radiation itself, it’s the bureaucracy standing in front of it. Boris Shcherbina (Stellan Skarsgård) starts out as the government minder sent to keep Legasov in line and slowly becomes his closest ally instead.

Ulana Khomyuk (Emily Watson), a fictional composite standing in for the dozens of real scientists who worked the case, gives the show a way to explain the science without ever feeling like a lecture. Craig Mazin wrote it and researched it obsessively for years, and director Johan Renck shoots the plant itself like a haunted building, all flickering lights and empty concrete corridors. It won practically every award it was eligible for, and unlike a lot of prestige TV, it earned every single one.

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Chernobyl

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Release Date

2019 – 2019

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Network

HBO

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Showrunner

Craig Mazin

Directors

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Johan Renck

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Social media users are reacting after Duane “Keffe D” Davis was found guilty of the murder of Tupac Shakur nearly 30 years later.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Assata Shakur, Activist & Tupac’s Aunt, Passes Away At 78 (PHOTO)

Duane “Keffe D” Davis Is Found Guilty Of Murder Of Tupac Shakur Nearly 30 Years Later

According to CNN, on Monday, August 31, a jury found Keffe D guilty of the first-degree murder of Tupac Shakur. Per the outlet, Keffe D is accused of plotting and providing the gun for the shooting. Furthermore, the outlet reports that the jury deliberated the decision for three hours before reaching their verdict.

In response, Shakur’s family, including his sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, was deeply affected by the news. Set reportedly cried while other family members held hands.

Per CBS News, Duane “Keffe D” Davis is 63 years old.

Social Media Reacts After Duane “Keffe D” Davis Is Found Guilty Of Murder Of Tupac Shakur Nearly 30 Years Later

Social media users reacted to Keffe D’s conviction in TSR’s comment section.

More On The Trial & Upcoming Sentencing

As The Shade Room previously reported, the defense rested its case on August 27. Per CNN, prosecutors argued that Duane “Keffe D” Davis went “hunting” for Tupac Shakur following a fight between the rap star and his nephew, Orlando Anderson, at the MGM Grand on September 7, 1996. Keffe reportedly called himself the “shot caller” of the search, alongside the now-deceased Anderson and two other men. However, Keffe’s defense argued that although he shared statements about the subsequent fatal shooting over the years, he was telling “fiction.”

Per the outlet, Keffe D will be sentenced on October 13. AP News reports that after the guilty verdict was announced, the 63-year-old said he intends to appeal.

RELATED: Next Up, Closings! Duane “Keffe D” Davis’ Trial Winds Down As Prosecution & Defense Rest In Tupac Shakur Murder Trial

Sidney Starr appeared in court in Atlanta, Georgia, earlier this month following her recent arrest on aggravated child molestation, sodomy, and sexual battery allegations involving a 13-year-old boy. The Shade Room’s Justin Carter attended the hearing as Starr’s attorney requested she be released on bond.

The judge denied the request. And now, ‘TSR Investigates’ is sharing accounts from Starr’s friends, family, and managers as the case moves forward.

More On Sidney Starr Court Appearance

According to Carter, Sidney Starr’s defense attorney, Anthony Lake, pleaded with a judge to release her on bond. On August 2, police arrived at the Embassy Suites hotel. There, family members of a 13-year-old boy were reportedly highly distressed.

Per Carter, it was in the lobby of that hotel that a 13-year-old boy allegedly approached Starr and told her she was “cute.” The 13-year-old allegedly went up to Starr’s room, where “sexual contact” occurred. Prosecutors allege the contact included oral intercourse.

Families Speak Out Amid Her Court Appearance

During Starr’s court appearance, the mother of the 13-year-old boy had a statement read on her behalf. Furthermore, the statement explained that her child suffered intense emotional and psychological harm. Ultimately, the judge did not render Sidney Starr’s bond.

“This decision was made off of speculative opinion and not evidence,” Nora, Starr’s best friend, shared in a statement read to TSR. “… Sidney Starr is disappointed by the bond decision [made] today by the judge. Sidney is still in good spirits and asks that the public try not to make a judgment about the guilt based on this decision.”

Scroll above to watch as Justin Carter speaks with Sidney Starr’s friends, family, and loved ones. Additionally, Carter asks about why the 13-year-old was present in Starr’s hotel room. Additionally, Rashard, Starr’s manager, shares his thoughts on the allegations and steps ahead.

RELATED: Ceiling Collapses On Woman At Hibachi Restaurant | TSR Investigates

The skies are clearing for Lizzo, as the “About Damn Time” singer recently scored a major victory in court. According to a new report, a federal judge ruled after reviewing a lawsuit alleging that Lizzo’s company, Big Grrrl Big Touring, treated one of her former employees unfairly. The win is a positive for Lizzo, especially since she made headlines earlier this summer after speaking candidly about her failing fifth studio album, which sold fewer than 4,000 copies in its first week.

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A California judge recently ruled in favor of Lizzo’s company and dismissed a suit filed by Asha Williams, who alleged she was the victim of sexual and racial harassment. According to TMZ, Williams sued Lizzo and her company in 2023, claiming she was forced to hear racist and fatphobic comments while employed.

At the time, Lizzo denied the claims and declared her innocence. “My character has been criticized. Usually, I choose not to respond to false allegations but these are as unbelievable as they sound and too outrageous to not be addressed,” she said.

Lizzo’s Lawyer Releases A Statement After A Judge Rules In Favor Of The Singer

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After the judge’s decision, Lizzo’s lawyer, Melissa Glass, issued a statement and expressed gratitude that the court sided with the “Soulmate” singer.

“The court’s ruling today granting summary judgment is a total victory for Lizzo, her touring company, and the other defendants named in Asha Daniels’ ludicrous lawsuit,” Glass said. “There was never any basis for Ms. Daniels to sue Lizzo, her touring company, her tour manager, or her wardrobe manager. Indeed, the case against Lizzo was thrown out in December 2024. We are exploring all avenues to enforce our clients’ rights after this major win.”

She Has Talked About Body Positivity

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The August 2023 lawsuit against Lizzo and her company shocked many, as the Houston native has been vocal about promoting body positivity.

“I’m not going to be able to please everyone with my outward appearance,” she said in April 2019. “Someone’s always going to have a critique, someone’s always going to have some negativity to say about me. So all that matters is what I think of it. And I had to go so deep inside myself and look in the mirror. Looking in the mirror and accepting what’s in the mirror is very, very difficult. And right now, I love it every time I look in the mirror.”

A year later, Lizzo reflected on the positive impact her music has had on different communities, including kids.

“I love the fact that kids love me because I’m making music to make us better, to make us smile, to make you love yourself and I think that children need that more than anything so that they can teach the next generation how to love themselves,” she said.

Singer On An Emotional ‘Rollercoaster’ After Album Flop

I’m weeping on the floor— nobody knows what I’ve been going through privately. Its been a roller coaster—
Sometimes I feel like my hands are tied behind my back and life is whooping my ass. But I wake up EVERY DAY and declare victory, even through the sleepless nights even… pic.twitter.com/xiwXyy6aak

— LIZZO (@lizzo) July 3, 2026

Before the recent update to her court case, Lizzo admitted to being on an emotional “rollercoaster” after her latest album flopped, according to The Blast.

“Sometimes I feel like my hands are tied behind my back and life is whooping my a**,” she wrote online. Despite that, Lizzo said she was actively choosing to “declare victory” and move forward.

Lizzo also shared that she wouldn’t stop making music, stating, “I will continue to glow and shine, because that’s what I do.”

Lizzo: The Author?

While promoting her latest album, Lizzo was also busy completing her first children’s book, “Lil Lizzo Meets Sasha B Flootin,” which becomes available on September 8, 2026.

The book, which details the “Truth Hurts” singer’s love for the flute, tells the story of a “bubbly little girl” who wants nothing more than to fit in. Throughout the book, she goes on several adventures with a “smart and brassy flute who can’t find her tune.” Together, they help each other build confidence and learn that “making a true friend can fill your life with magic and help you discover who you are.”

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